Abstract

This art historical retrospective on an eminent Canadian architect of the twentieth century is not a biography. Since Dimitri Dimakopoulos was a very discrete and reserved person, the thesis is much more oriented towards his architectural works than his private life and intimate personality. Following a short introduction, the first part deals with his early life in Athens from 1929 to 1948 in relation with the major socio-political events of the period. It also includes a summary of his university studies at the McGill School of Architecture from 1948 to 1955, focusing on his academic activities in relation with the program of studies. The second part of the thesis deals with his partnership from 1955 to 1969 in ARCOP, a major architectural firm operating in Montreal during that period. It investigates his participation or full involvement as an architectural designer in various projects of the firm. The third part of the thesis deals with the works produced by his own architectural firm called Dimitri Dimakopoulos & Partners between 1970 and 1995. Each major project of the firm is investigated in detail from architectural and art historical point of views. Finally, a conclusion elaborates upon the characteristics of Dimakopoulos' oeuvre, from an architectural design and stylistic point of view in relation with the period of his production.